Blog
Seasons of Waiting or Excuses?
In January, I was all set to dive into my WIP. I had just put my daughter in school full time, and I had my days mapped out by the hour. Then “I got the call.” The novella I submitted to Barbour for an anthology the week before was sold! After the shock registered, I…
Fears, Doubts and Excuses!
Seems like the internet is full of fearful, doubting, excuse making writers this week. So instead of adding to the mix, I’m going to serve up all the great posts! Writers and Doubts by James Scott Bell Writing Through Doubt by LL Hargrove The Myth of Having More Time Someday by Jody Hedlund 7 Steps…
Put me in, Coach!
The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. ~Psalm 37:23 I am the poster child for Writer…Interrupted. At my house “quiet moment” is an oxymoron. That said, I never seem to get enough done, whether it’s praying, cleaning, writing, or anything I put on my to-do list.…
Why We Don’t Write
I haven’t been writing. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you haven’t been writing, either – at least not as much as you’d like. You’ve got a full time job, kids to raise, a home to maintain. Your best friend is going through a tough time right now and desperately needs you. And volunteering at…
Christy Awards Liveblog 2011
The Christy Awards will offer liveblog coverage of the 2011 Christy Awards banquet to be held at 6:30 p.m., Mon., July 11, 2011, at The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, Ga. Liveblog coverage, featuring guest commentary and observations from three-time Christy Award finalist Susan May Warren, will be facilitated by Wynn-Wynn Media. The liveblog gives…
How Setting Influences Your Characters
Your story setting should be unique, whether an exotic island, the Deep South, an airport terminal, or a fantasy world. Consider the following movies: Gone with the Wind, Cast Away, The Terminal, and Lord of the Rings. All of these would be less effective and less memorable without their unique setting. “A novel is a…
What Makes a Good Critique Group?
What makes a book “good?” The experience it offers, of course, and how well it meets our expectations. Like everything else. It’s subjective, and like a book, a good critique group depends on the people in them. What you get out of it is largely dependent on what you bring to it. One essential benefit is encouragement…
When NOT to Take Writing Advice
There’s no shortage of advice out there for aspiring and beginning authors. There’s no shortage of advice out there for aspiring and beginning authors.But knowing when NOT to take advice may be as important as knowing when to heed it. I learned this my first year of pursuing publication. At the time, I was preparing…
The Hardest Thing About Being a Writer
“With great power, comes great responsibility.” I love that quote. I’ve used it with my children, and I’ve often reminded myself of its words, as well. When people ask me what I do, I usually say I’m a “stay at home” mom. I don’t often think of saying, “I’m a writer.” But I AM a…
Ready to run?
Around this time of year, many people have begun training for a local 5k race, a half marathon, or even a full marathon. Some think those pondering such races are crazy, and that is ok too. If you despise running, please, don’t bother. Do what you enjoy, but don’t be afraid to try something new…